Record Reviews

LONDON TROMBONE QUARTET ~ SOME OF OUR BEST FRIENDS ASC 011 (Barcode: 5029716000239) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995 This is the only album by the British Jazz ensemble called London Trombone QuartetFind albums by this artist, which consisted of four trombonists: Pete BeachillFind albums by this artist, Richard EdwardsFind albums by this artist, Mark NightingaleFind albums by this artist and Dave StewartFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded with some top British Jazz musicians active at the time: pianists Pete SabertonFind albums by this artist, John HorlerFind albums by this artist and Dave ArchFind albums by this artist, bassists Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist, Geraint RobertsFind albums by this artist and Laurence CottleFind albums by this artist, drummers Ian ThomasFind albums by this artist and Dave BryantFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist, Pete HurtFind albums by this artist, Andy MacintoshFind albums by this artist, Julian ArguellesFind albums by this artist and Dave O`HigginsFind albums by this artist, guitarists Mike WalkerFind albums by this artist and John ParricelliFind albums by this artist, percussionist Frank RicottiFind albums by this artist, trumpeters Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Gerard PresencerFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original compositions by Beachill (3), Sultzmann (2), and one each by Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, Arch, Nightingale, Colin TownsFind albums by this artist, Dick WalterFind albums by this artist and Saberton. Although Wheeler did not play on this album, one of his tunes was recorded. This is one of Wheeler’s recordings, which remains almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection. The music is a marvelous example of modern British Jazz, based on excellent original compositions and performed by the crème de la crème of British Jazz musicians active in the 1990s. The trombone quartet was quite a unique ensemble of course and they offered very unique arrangements featuring the trombone at the focus, proving the possibilities of the instrument in the hands of great musicians. Overall, this is an excellent British Jazz album, performed by first class musicians, which is absolutely worth digging for to discover the splendid music and superb performances by the entire team.

Updated: 06/04/2023Posted: 06/04/2023

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

DICK WALTER / JAZZCRAFT ENSEMBLE ~ SECRET MOVES ASC 029 (Barcode: 5029716002929) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1998 Released: 1999 This is a wonderful and criminally little known album by the British composer / arranger Dick WalterFind albums by this artist recorded with the Jazzcraft EnsembleFind albums by this artist, a gathering of eleven top British Jazz musicians and five guest stars, which collectively read like the who´s who of British Jazz at the closure of the previous Millennium. The ensemble, conducted by Walter, included trumpeter Derek WatkinsFind albums by this artist, flugelhornist Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, French horn player Richard BissillFind albums by this artist, valve trombonist Pete BeachillFind albums by this artist, tuba player Oren MarshallFind albums by this artist, saxophonists Phil ToddFind albums by this artist, Steve BuckleyFind albums by this artist and Iain DixonFind albums by this artist, pianist Nikki IlesFind albums by this artist, bassist Chris LaurenceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul ClarvisFind albums by this artist. The guests were: vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, flautist Stan SultzmannFind albums by this artist, baritone saxophonist Alan BarnesFind albums by this artist, vibraphonist Anthony KerrFind albums by this artist and finally guitarist John ParricelliFind albums by this artist. The album presents fifteen relatively short pieces, five of which are original compositions by Walter and the rest are carefully selected Jazz standards and one BeatlesFind albums by this artist song, all exquisitely arranged by Walter. Each and every one of these pieces is an absolute gem, perfectly rounded and complete like a mini-suite, representing all the best in British / European Jazz: delicate aesthetics, superb taste, intelligence and deep understanding of music. This album is one of the most perfect examples of large ensemble Jazz ever recorded and should be a schoolbook example of Jazz arrangement. The music is also beautifully performed by these Master musicians, who contribute perfect ensemble playing as well as beautiful soli, all relatively concise due to the album´s timing limitations, but nevertheless perfectly rounded and expressive. Altogether these seventy two minutes of music round up almost everything there is to say in a mainstream Jazz ensemble format. I have no idea how this nugget managed to slip under my radar for so many years; better late than never is the only solace. The music brings so many memories and associations about British Jazz and its history, that listening to it for the first time was a deeply emotional experience for me. Repeated listening sessions revealed the depth of the arrangements and the incredible craft involved in making it. It is a true masterpiece in every respect. I can hardly imagine a proper British Jazz collection being complete without this album being part of it, and therefore grab a copy as long as it is still available. You can thank me later on, after you have listened to it ;)

Updated: 24/01/2023Posted: 15/04/2019

CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend